Automatic Re-Loading Air-Sampling and Pneumatic Transport System

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention collect solid, vapor, and/or biological components of the air in air-sampling cartridges that are then transported to an off-site location by pneumatic pressure. Operation proceeds by first collecting a sample of air in an air-sampling cartridge in a sampling position, then rotating a wheel assembly to move the now-used sampling cartridge into a transport position while simultaneously moving an unused sampling cartridge into the sampling position, and finally using pneumatic pressure to push the used sampling cartridge in the transport position to an off-site location via a transport tube. The sampling operation can begin again while the transport operation is in still in progress. These operations can be pre-programmed locally or triggered by remote communication. Continued operation is possible due to a plurality of unused air-sampling cartridges retained in the wheel assembly. Since operations can be triggered remotely and air samples are autonomously transported off site, embodiments of this invention eliminate an unnecessary risk to human health that is created by other air-sampling devices, which require an operator to be present at a potentially hazardous sampling site to activate the device or retrieve air samples. Additionally, embodiments of the invention can be installed pre-emptively to eliminate the risk to human health that is created when an operator must deliver a portable air-sampling device to a potentially contaminated sampling site. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention allow rapid retrieval of air samples following sample collection, which can expedite analysis and identification of aerosols and consequently help minimize human exposure to potentially dangerous and life-threatening chemical and biological contaminants.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/959,659, filed Aug. 29, 2013,which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is related to the field of air sampling. Moreparticularly, the present invention is related to systems thatautomatically collect samples of air and transport those samples awayfrom the sampling site during continued and uninterrupted operation.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Systems that sample air for aerosols, including suspensions of solid orliquid particles, have been used in a wide range of applications. Forexample, systems have been used to sample and analyze vehicle exhaust,to ensure conformance with state pollution regulations. Systems havealso been used to analyze the air surrounding suspected targets ofbiological warfare in order to identify hazardous airbornemicroorganisms, such as anthrax, and determine appropriate medicalresponses. The Environmental Protection Agency routinely samples airaround the United States, not only to monitor atmospheric levels ofozone and carbon monoxide, but to also collect representative samples ofairborne biological and radiological contaminants. Since aerosols aretypically diffuse in the air, it is often necessary to first concentrateair samples on a sampling medium before analysis can be performed.

In order to concentrate aerosols, many air-sampling devices pull airthrough or over a filter, or other sampling medium, over a period oftime. While some sampling media can selectively concentrate specificaerosols, other sampling media concentrate many aerosols collectively,to be separated and analyzed later. Some air-sampling devices cananalyze collected samples autonomously, while others require the samplesto be retrieved for off-site analysis at a laboratory. The utility ofair-sampling devices that can analyze samples autonomously is oftenconstrained by costly and delicate instrumentation needed forspecialized analysis of the air samples. For example, coupling a gaschromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to an air-sampling device wouldallow many aerosols to be identified at the molecular level, but wouldrequire a significant investment. GC-MS machines cost up to severalhundred thousand dollars and may not be cost effective given the limitedscope of analysis in the field. Furthermore, such a combination wouldrequire extensive calibration by a qualified technician prior to eachuse, to ensure accurate analysis, as transport alone could causesignificant analytical variation in the results. A known example of sucha system is the microfluidic bio-agent autonomous networked detector(“M-BAND”) produced by PositiveID Corporation, which was at firstconsidered for use in the Department of Homeland Security's BioWatchprogram, but recently abandoned due to high costs, frequent falsepositive results, and frequently required maintenance. A more practicaland more cost-effective approach separates sample collection fromanalysis, but requires air samples to be retrieved from the samplingsite and transported off-site to a laboratory.

All known air-sampling devices that collect and store air samplesrequire an operator to retrieve air samples from the device at thesampling site. For example, the Portable Multi-Tube Air Sampler Unitdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,196,479 encases multiple airsample-collection tubes into a portable container and requires anoperator not only to deliver and activate the device at the samplingsite, but also later to return in order to retrieve the entire unit,including the air samples contained within.

The Automatic Multi-Sorbent Tube Air Sampler (“AMTAS”) disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,477,906 can be installed at a sampling site to later collectair samples autonomously, but also requires an operator to retrieve theair samples whenever analysis is needed. Although the AMTAS is capableof allowing individual air samples to be removed during continuedoperation, the Portable Multi-Tube Air Sampler Unit and most otherair-sampling devices require an operator to wait until the end ofoperation before the collected air samples can be retrieved.

Despite the benefits provided by the prior art systems, theynevertheless fall short of providing a system that eliminates thenecessity for an operator to be present at the sampling site either forthe retrieval of all air samples at the end of operation or for theretrieval of individual air samples during continued operation. Instead,prior art systems require a human operator to enter the sampling sitewearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and riskcontamination to install the device, activate collection, and retrieveair samples. Additionally, prior art systems fall short of providing asystem where samples can be rapidly retrieved from an air-samplingsystem while allowing its continued concurrent sampling operation, andinstead rely on a human operator to retrieve samples at the end ofoperation or to interrupt operation to retrieve samples prior to the endof operation.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce certain concepts in a simplifiedform that are further described below in the Detailed Description. TheSummary is not intended to identify key features or essential featuresof the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended in any way to limitthe scope of the claimed invention.

Embodiments of the invention can sample aerosols by utilizing a vacuumpump to pull ambient air through an inlet tube and an alignedair-sampling cartridge, then subsequently align the cartridge with anoutlet tube and transport it through the outlet tube to a remotedestination using pneumatic pressure supplied by a compressor.

Embodiments of the invention can utilize air-sampling cartridgescontaining one or more sampling media designed to collect andconcentrate a number of different aerosols. For example, an air-samplingcartridge containing fibrous, membranous, and/or perforated solid mediacan concentrate and collect solid airborne particulates whereas anair-sampling cartridge containing an adsorbent, such as activatedcharcoal, can concentrate and collect vapors. Embodiments of theinvention can also utilize an air-sampling cartridge comprising acombination of two or more sampling media to collect combinations ofaerosols simultaneously.

Embodiments of the invention have a “sampling position,” which is alocation between an inlet tube and a vacuum tube that can be occupied byany one of a plurality of chambers and where an air-sampling cartridgecan collect aerosols from ambient air. Additionally, embodiments of theinvention have a “transport position,” which is a location between anoutlet tube and a compressor line that can be occupied by any one of aplurality of chambers and where an air-sampling cartridge is subjectedto pneumatic pressure to be transported away from the device in atransport tube.

Embodiments of the invention can arrange a plurality of chambers forretaining air-sampling cartridges in a circular pattern in a wheelassembly and can utilize a rotation mechanism, such as a Geneva drive,to rotate the wheel assembly and change the positions of the pluralityof chambers. In such embodiments, the rotation mechanism can also holdthe wheel assembly in position while an air sample is taken in an unusedair-sampling cartridge at the sampling position while, at the same time,a used air-sampling cartridge at the transport position is subjected topneumatic pressure and transported to a remote destination.

Alternatively, embodiments of the invention can arrange the plurality ofchambers in a linear arrangement in a rectangular assembly and canutilize a translation mechanism, such as a piston or solenoid, to changethe positions of the plurality of chambers. In such embodiments, thetranslation mechanism can also hold the rectangular assembly in positionwhile an air sample is taken in an unused air-sampling cartridge at thesampling position and while a used air-sampling cartridge at thetransport position is subjected to pneumatic pressure and transported toa remote destination.

Yet another embodiment of the invention can move an air-samplingcartridge from a storage compartment to a sampling position, and thensubsequently to a transport position. In such an embodiment, the storagecompartment and sampling position can be separated by a first gate, orother dividing mechanism, that creates a substantially airtight sealaround the air-sampling cartridge in the sampling position.Additionally, the sampling position and transport position can beseparated by a second gate, or other dividing mechanism, that creates asubstantially airtight seal around the air-sampling cartridge in thetransport position.

Embodiments of the invention can require manual loading of air-samplingcartridges into the plurality of chambers prior to operation, forexample by using a hand-held push tool, while other embodiments of theinvention can utilize a magazine of unused air-sampling cartridges andcan load said unused cartridges into empty chambers by automatedmechanical means known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Embodiments of the invention can autonomously align a first one of theplurality of chambers retaining an air-sampling cartridge into thesampling position while simultaneously aligning a second one of theplurality of chambers into the transport position. Said autonomousrotation can be triggered by a pre-programmed set of instructions or ondemand via remote communication. Said remote operation can befacilitated through wired or wireless communication any distance fromthe device, such as through a communications device directly interfacedwith the system, or through a communications device connected to a localarea network or intranet, or on a communications device anywhere in theworld connected to the Internet or similar network.

Embodiments of the invention can form a substantially airtight inletseal among the vacuum pump, inlet tube, and chamber at the samplingposition by using a first pair of spring-loaded, double-lipped cupsbiased against opposite faces of the wheel assembly. Similarly, aembodiments of the invention can form a substantially airtight outletseal among the compressor, outlet tube, and chamber at the transportposition by using second pair of spring-loaded, double-lipped cupsbiased against opposite faces of the wheel assembly.

Embodiments of the invention can utilize a vacuum pump to pull ambientair through an air-sampling cartridge retained in the chamber at thesampling position, and can utilize a compressor to apply pneumaticpressure to an air-sampling cartridge retained in the chamber at thetransport position thereby transporting said air-sampling cartridgethrough tubes to a remote destination, which can be up to several milesaway. Such embodiments can utilize both the vacuum pump and compressorsimultaneously to allow simultaneous sampling operation and transportoperation.

Embodiments of the invention can perform both vacuum and pressurizingfunctions with a single compressor. Three-way ball valves, or othervalves, can alternately switch air pathways between sampling operationand transport operation to allow a single compressor to perform bothvacuum and pressurizing functions.

Embodiments of the invention can incorporate radiological, chemical,and/or biological detectors to analyze samples within the air-samplingcartridges before they are transported to a remote destination. Beforetransport, an air-sampling cartridge can be aligned with a detector atan analysis position where an air sample can be analyzed within theair-sampling cartridge while still loaded in a chamber.

Embodiments of the invention can add a pressure transducer connected tothe compressor line to measure air pressure in the compressor line andconnected components, such as the aligned chamber at the transportposition and the outlet tube, and also connected to the vacuum line tomeasure air pressure in the vacuum line and connected components, suchas the aligned chamber at the sampling position and the inlet tube. Insuch embodiments of the invention, the pressure transducer is incommunication with a controller or communications board and can relayair pressure data to a remote site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited summary features of thepresent invention can be understood in detail, a more particulardescription of the invention may be had by reference to embodiments,some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to benoted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typicalembodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be consideredlimiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equallyeffective embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an automaticre-loading air-sampling and pneumatic transport system constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention with a view of afront face of a wheel assembly.

FIG. 1B is a partial perspective view of the same embodiment depicted inFIG. 1A with a view of a rear face of a wheel assembly.

FIG. 1C is a partial perspective view of the same embodiment depicted inFIG. 1A with a view of the front face of the wheel assembly and theinterior of some of its chambers.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG.1A from the opposite side and with the wheel assembly removed.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A and FIG. 2 showing an exploded view of the components thatcomprise the front seal assembly and rear seal assembly.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the airflow pathways through anembodiment of the invention utilizing one compressor and one vacuum pumpfor separate sampling and transport operations.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the airflow pathways through anembodiment of the invention utilizing a single compressor and twothree-way valves for both sampling operation and transport operation.

FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the inventionencased within a chassis.

FIG. 6B is another partial perspective view of the same embodimentdepicted in FIG. 6A with a view from the opposite side.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a computingdevice 700 that is configured to control the operation of variousembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention now may be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, theinvention may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like numbersrefer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an automaticre-loading air-sampling and pneumatic transport system constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention with a view of afront face of a wheel assembly. In FIG. 1A, an embodiment of automaticre-loading air-sampling and pneumatic transport system 100 comprises awheel assembly 101 composed of Teflon-like Delrin® and contains aplurality of chambers 103 comprising transverse cylindrical spaces withdifferently sized openings on opposite faces of the wheel assembly. Thechambers 103 are arranged in a radial pattern equidistant from thecenter of the wheel assembly 101. The wheel assembly 101 has teeth 104along the circumference for interaction with a rotating mechanism. In anembodiment, the depicted teeth 104 are configured to interact with aspecially designed cam 202 of a Geneva drive (see FIG. 2), which rotatesthe wheel assembly 101 between sampling and transport operations andstops the wheel assembly 101 during sampling and transport operations.The wheel assembly 101 rotates on an axle 106 and is held in place by afront wheel mount 107 and a rear wheel mount 108 attached to a supportbase 109. A vacuum line 110 from the vacuum pump 111 is connected to arear seal assembly 120 and configured to be aligned with an inlet tube112 connected to a front seal assembly 121. A compressor line 115 fromthe compressor 116 is also connected to the rear seal assembly 120 andconfigured to be aligned with an outlet tube 117 that is also connectedto the front seal assembly 121.

In an embodiment of the invention, air-sampling cartridge 125 can be arigid hollow cylinder with a media pad 126 on at least one end. Mediapad 126 can comprise any of a variety of sampling media, includingfibrous, membranous, and/or perforated media, as well as an adsorbentand/or gel-based media, depending on a variety of factors, including theintended aerosol to be analyzed. Other embodiments of the invention canuse solid air-sampling cartridges 125 comprising a matrix of mediaincluding fiber, such as cellulose, without a separate media pad 126. Instill other embodiments of the invention, air-sampling cartridge 125 canbe a rigid hollow cylinder that is filled with sampling media, includingfibrous, membranous, and/or perforated solid media, as well asadsorbents and/or gel-based media.

Some embodiments of the invention can attach an end-cap to the vacuumside of air-sampling cartridge 125. An end-cap can also be optionallyattached to the vacuum side of media pad 126 (or the vacuum side ofair-sampling cartridge 125 if media pad 126 is not used). An end-capcould be made of material such as Mylar film and could optionallyinclude cut flaps that open during the sampling operation to allowairflow through the sampling media and then close during the transportoperation to provide resistance against pneumatic pressure supplied bythe compressor 116.

FIG. 1B is a partial perspective view of the same embodiment depicted inFIG. 1A with a view of a rear face of a wheel assembly. In FIG. 1B, therear side of the wheel assembly 101 has at least one special cartridgemarker 130 that comprises a partially drilled hole sensed by a specialcartridge detector 131. The special cartridge detector 131 is incommunication with a controller 611 (see FIG. 6B) that can indirectlyrotate the wheel assembly 101 to a position where special cartridgemarker 130 is sensed by special cartridge detector 131. When wheelassembly 101 is in this position, a specific chamber 103 associated withthe special cartridge marker 130 is aligned at the sampling position.Using this technique of placing wheel assembly 101 in a knownconfiguration, an operator can load air-sampling cartridges 125 intochambers 103 associated with the special cartridge markers 130. Then,controllers within embodiments of the invention can be programmed torotate wheel assembly 101 into a position where a specific chamber 103associated with a special cartridge marker 130 is aligned with thesampling position. This operation can be performed by pre-programmedinstructions within a controller or on demand via remote communication.

FIG. 1C is a partial perspective view of the same embodiment depicted inFIG. 1A with a view of the front face of the wheel assembly 101 and theinterior of some of the chambers 103. In FIG. 1C, the openings of thechambers 103 on the front face of the wheel assembly 101 have a diameterthat is equal to or greater than the diameter of the air-samplingcartridges 125. The openings of the chambers 103 on the rear face of thewheel assembly 101 have a diameter less than the diameter of theair-sampling cartridges 125. The differently sized openings allow anair-sampling cartridge 125 to be loaded through the larger opening onthe front side of the wheel assembly 101 and remain retained in thewheel assembly 101 while air is drawn by the vacuum pump 111 through thesmaller opening on the rear face of the wheel assembly 101 duringsampling operation.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG.1A from the opposite side and with the wheel assembly removed. In FIG.2, the Geneva drive motor 201, or other rotation mechanism, rotates acam 202 that interacts with the wheel assembly teeth 104 in such a waythat each turn of the cam 202 rotates the wheel assembly 101 to advanceeach chamber 103 by one position. At each stop of the cam 202, onechamber 103 is in alignment with an inlet tube 112 and vacuum line 110at a sampling position and a second chamber 103 is aligned with anoutlet tube 117 and a compressor line 115 at a transport position. Inthe instant embodiment, when the Geneva drive motor 201 rotates thewheel assembly 101, all chambers 103 are advanced one position such thata chamber 103 retaining an unused air-sampling cartridge 125 is advancedto the sampling position, the chamber retaining a now used air-samplingcartridge 125 in the sampling position is advanced to the transportposition, and the now empty chamber 103 in the transport position isadvanced beyond the transport position.

A rocker switch 207 can cut power to the on/off switch 211 whentriggered by the cam 202 and thereby stop rotation of the cam 201 andconsequently hold the wheel assembly 101 in position. A current sensor205 in communication with a controller can detect which electricalcircuits connected to the Geneva drive motor 201 are energized in orderfor the controller to reactivate the Geneva drive motor 201 through theon/off switch 211. A manual switch 210 can allow an operator to manuallytrigger the Geneva drive motor 201 for loading air-sampling cartridges125 or maintenance, if necessary.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A and FIG. 2 showing an exploded view of the components thatcomprise the front seal assembly and rear seal assembly. In FIG. 3, therear seal assembly 120 forms a substantially airtight seal between thevacuum line 110 and the rear face of the wheel assembly 101, whileallowing free rotation of the wheel assembly 101, by biasing adouble-lipped cup 303 with a wave spring washer 304 positioned betweenthe double-lipped cup 303 and an O-ring 305 adjacent to a rear backingplate 306. The rear seal assembly 120 also forms a substantiallyairtight seal between the compressor line 115 and the rear face of thewheel assembly 101, while allowing free rotation of the wheel assembly101, by biasing a double-lipped cup 307 with a wave spring washer 308positioned between the double-lipped cup 307 and an O-ring 309 adjacentto the rear backing plate 306.

The front seal assembly 121 forms a substantially airtight seal betweenthe inlet tube 112 and the front face of the wheel assembly 101, whileallowing free rotation of the wheel assembly 101, by biasing adouble-lipped cup 311 with a wave spring washer 312 positioned betweenthe double-lipped cup 311 and an O-ring 313 adjacent to a front backingplate 315. The front seal assembly 121 also forms a substantiallyairtight seal between the outlet tube 117 and the front face of thewheel assembly 101, while allowing free rotation of the wheel assembly101, by biasing a double-lipped cup 317 with a wave spring washer 318positioned between the double-lipped cup 317 and an O-ring 319 adjacentto the front backing plate 315.

The rear backing plate 306 has a projection to retain the double-lippedcups 303, 307, wave spring washers 304, 308, and O-rings 305, 309. Thefront backing plate 315 has a projection to retain the double-lippedcups 311, 317, wave spring washers 312, 318, and O-rings 313, 319.

The rear wheel mount 108 has a cutaway to allow the projection of therear backing plate 306 to pass through and approach the rear face of thewheel assembly 101. The front wheel mount 107 has a cutaway to allow theprojection of the front backing plate 315 to pass through and approachthe front face of the wheel assembly 101.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the airflow pathways through anembodiment of the invention utilizing one compressor and one vacuum pumpfor separate sampling and transport operations. In FIG. 4, duringsampling operation, ambient air is pulled in from the inlet tube 112,through an air-sampling cartridge 125 retained in a chamber 103 at thesampling position, then through a vacuum line 110 to the vacuum pump111, where the air is then discharged to the ambient environment.During, transport operation, ambient air is pulled in at the compressor116, which then creates pneumatic pressure in the compressor line 115and pushes an air-sampling cartridge 125 retained in a chamber 103 atthe transport position out through the outlet tube 117.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the airflow pathways through anembodiment of the invention utilizing a single compressor and twothree-way valves for both sampling operation and transport operation. InFIG. 5, during sampling operation, ambient air is pulled in from theinlet tube 112, through an air-sampling cartridge 125 retained in achamber 103 at the sampling position, through a first vacuum line 505connected to a first three-way valve 506 set to direct air to a secondvacuum line 507 connected to a compressor 116, where it is thendischarged through a first compressor line 510 connected to a secondthree-way valve 511 set to discharge air into the ambient environment.During transport operation, the three-way valves are switched to directair in following way: ambient air is pulled in from the first three-wayvalve 506 set to receive air from the ambient environment, then thoughthe second vacuum line 507 to the compressor 116, which createspneumatic pressure in the first compressor line 510 connected to thesecond three-way valve 511 set to direct air through a second compressorline 512 and push an air-sampling cartridge 125 retained in a chamber103 at the transport position out through the outlet tube 117 to aremote destination.

FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the inventionencased within a chassis. In FIG. 6A, an embodiment of the invention canbe housed in a chassis 601 that can be overlaid with cover plates 602.An internal fan 605 can be attached to the interior of chassis 601 toexhaust hot air. A desiccant assembly 606 can be connected between thecompressor 116 and compressor line 115 to help prevent moistureaccumulation in the outlet tube 117 and compressor line 115.

FIG. 6B is another partial perspective view of the same embodimentdepicted in FIG. 6A with a view from the opposite side. In FIG. 6B, apower receptacle 610 can be attached to the chassis 601, which candistribute electricity from an external 120V power source to the vacuumpump 111, compressor 116, and controller 611 with associatedcommunications board. A pressure transducer 615 can be connected to thecompressor line 115 to measure the air pressure in the compressor line115 and connected components, such as the aligned chamber 103 at thetransport position and the outlet tube 117, and also connected to thevacuum line 110 to measure the air pressure in the vacuum line 110 andconnected components, such as the aligned chamber 103 at the samplingposition and the inlet tube 112. An Ethernet jack 612 that is incommunication with controller 611 allows wired remote operation of thesystem. Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention can be equippedwith a wireless communication module or chip that is in communicationcontroller 611 and allows wireless remote operation of the system.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a computingdevice 700 that is configured to control the operation of variousembodiments of the invention. In certain operative embodiments,computing device 700 is the controller 611 of FIG. 6B. Computing device700 may comprise any device known in the art to be capable of processingdata and/or information and also capable of being installed on orembedded within an embodiment of automatic re-loading air-sampling andpneumatic transport system 100. Accordingly, computing device 700 maycomprise a general purpose and/or special purpose computer, including amicroprocessor or microcontroller, a personal computer, workstation,server, minicomputer, microcomputer, computer terminal, laptop, tabletcomputer (such as an iPad), mobile terminal, smart phone (such as aniPhone, Android device, or BlackBerry) or the like. In general, anydevice on which resides a finite state machine capable of implementingat least a portion of a control operation, method, ApplicationProgrammer's Interface (“API”), communications interface, and/or userinterface described herein may be used as a computing device. Computingdevice 700 may comprise any of numerous components, including one ormore network interface(s) 701, one or more memory(ies) 703, one or moreprocessor(s) 705, program instructions and logic 707, one or more inputdevice(s) 709, one or more output device(s) 711, and one or more powermodule(s) 713.

Network interface(s) 701 may comprise any device, system, or subsystemor component that is capable of coupling an information device to anetwork and/or transmitting or receiving information. For example, anetwork interface can comprise a telephone, cellular phone, cellularmodem, telephone data modem, fax modem, wireless transceiver, RFtransceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, WiFi transceiver, wireless broadbandtransceiver (WiMAX), Ethernet circuit, cable modem, digital subscriberline interface, bridge, hub, router, or other similar capability.

Memory(ies) 703 can be any type of apparatus known in the art that iscapable of storing analog or digital information such as instructionsand/or data. Examples include a non-volatile or read only memory(“ROM”), volatile or random access memory (“RAM”), flash memory, varioustypes of magnetic memory media, and the like. Memory(ies) 703 can becoupled to one or more processor(s) 705 and can store instructions andlogic 707 adapted to be executed by one or more processor(s) 705, asaccording to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Processor(s) 705 may comprise one or more devices for executingmachine-readable instructions that perform one or more predeterminedtasks. Processor(s) 705 can comprise any one or a combination ofhardware, firmware, and/or software. In general, processor(s) 705 canutilize mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, magnetic, optical,informational, chemical, and/or biological principles, signals, and/orinputs to perform tasks. In certain embodiments, processor(s) 705 canreceive information from input device(s) 709. In certain embodiments,processor(s) 705 can act upon information, including receivedinformation, by manipulating, analyzing, modifying, converting,transmitting the information for use by an executable procedure and/oran information device, and/or routing the information to outputdevice(s) 711. Processor(s) 705 can function as a central processingunit, local controller, remote controller, parallel controller, and/ordistributed controller, etc. Processor(s) 705 can include ageneral-purpose device, such as a microcontroller and/or amicroprocessor. In certain embodiments, processor(s) 705 can be adedicated special purpose device, such as an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (“ASIC”) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (“FPGA”).Processor(s) 705 can also be an integrated circuit that has beendesigned to implement in hardware and/or firmware at least a part of anembodiment disclosed herein. Processor(s) 705 can also include ahardware electronic logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit,and/or a programmable logic device such as a Programmable LogicController (“PLC”) or the like.

Instructions and logic 707 may comprise directions adapted to cause amachine, such as computing device 700, to perform one or more particularactivities, operations, or functions. The directions, which cansometimes form an entity called a “kernel”, “operating system”,“program”, “application”, “utility”, “subroutine”, “script”, “macro”,“file”, “project”, “module”, “library”, “class”, “object”, or“Application Programming Interface,” etc., can be embodied as machinecode, source code, object code, compiled code, assembled code,interpretable code, and/or executable code, etc., in hardware, firmware,and/or software. Instructions and logic 707 may reside in processor(s)705, in memory(ies) 703, or in another specialized device(s) orcomponent(s). Instructions and logic 707 may also be embedded in anexternal computer-readable storage medium or device, which when loadedinto computing device 700 is able to carry out the different controlinstructions, steps, and methods described herein.

Input device(s) 709 may comprise any traditional input device known inthe art, such as a button, dial, or switch, and may also include anysensory-oriented input device known in the art, such as an audio,visual, haptic, olfactory, and/or taste-oriented device, including, forexample, a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, joystick, gamepad, wheel,touchpad, touch panel, pointing device, microphone, speaker, videocamera, camera, scanner, printer, haptic device, vibrator, tactilesimulator, and/or tactile pad, potentially including a port to which aninput device can be attached or connected. Input device(s) 709 may alsocomprise any sensor known in the art that can measure physical/spatialparameters, including vibrations, acceleration, and direction of motion.

Output device(s) 711 may comprise any output device known in the art,such as, for example, a monitor, display, projector, overhead display,printer, switch, relay, solenoid, light-producing device, audio orsound-producing device, or vibrator, potentially including a port towhich output device(s) 711 can be attached or connected.

Computing device 700 may be used, accessed, programmed, controlled,manipulated, or directed through a user interface. The user interfacemay comprise any means for rendering information to a user and/orrequesting information from the user. A user interface includes at leastone of textual, graphical, audio, video, animation, and/or hapticelements. A textual element can be provided, for example, by a printer,monitor, display, projector, etc. A graphical element can be provided,for example, via a monitor, display, projector, and/or visual indicationdevice, such as a light, flag, beacon, etc. An audio element can beprovided, for example, via a speaker, microphone, and/or other soundgenerating and/or receiving device. A video element or animation elementcan be provided, for example, via a monitor, display, projector, and/orother visual device. A haptic element can be provided, for example, viaa very low frequency speaker, vibrator, tactile stimulator, tactile pad,simulator, keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, joystick, gamepad, wheel,touchpad, touch panel, pointing device, and/or other haptic device, etc.A user interface can include one or more textual elements such as, forexample, one or more letters, number, symbols, etc. A user interface caninclude one or more graphical elements such as, for example, an image,photograph, drawing, icon, window, title bar, panel, sheet, tab, drawer,matrix, table, form, calendar, outline view, frame, dialog box, statictext, text box, list, pick list, pop-up list, pull-down list, menu, toolbar, dock, check box, radio button, hyperlink, browser, button, control,palette, preview panel, color wheel, dial, slider, scroll bar, cursor,status bar, stepper, and/or progress indicator, etc. A textual and/orgraphical element can be used for selecting, programming, adjusting,changing, specifying, etc. an appearance, background color, backgroundstyle, border style, border thickness, foreground color, font, fontstyle, font size, alignment, line spacing, indent, maximum data length,validation, query, cursor type, pointer type, auto-sizing, position,and/or dimension, etc. A user interface can include one or more audioelements such as, for example, a volume control, pitch control, speedcontrol, voice selector, and/or one or more elements for controllingaudio play, speed, pause, fast forward, reverse, etc. A user interfacecan include one or more video elements such as, for example, elementscontrolling video play, speed, pause, fast forward, reverse, zoom-in,zoom-out, rotate, and/or tilt, etc. A user interface can include one ormore animation elements such as, for example, elements controllinganimation play, pause, fast forward, reverse, zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate,tilt, color, intensity, speed, frequency, appearance, etc. A userinterface can include one or more haptic elements such as, for example,elements utilizing tactile stimulus, force, pressure, vibration, motion,displacement, temperature, etc.

Power module(s) 713 may comprise one or more devices for providingelectrical power to various the components of computing device 700.Power module(s) 713 may include one or more battery cells or other powersupplies, any number of which can be electrically connected together.Some or all of the battery cells may be rechargeable. Power module(s)713 may also include a power input to receive input power from a powersource, and a power output to provide output power to another device,including another power module 713.

Embodiments of the invention can utilize computing device 700 to provideautonomous or manual-assisted control over various operations ofautomatic re-loading air-sampling and pneumatic transport system 100.Said operation can include, but is not limited to: receiving electroniccommunications and commands via Ethernet jack 612, controlling Genevadrive motor 201, activating and terminating operation of vacuum pump111, activating and terminating operation of compressor 116, andthree-way valves 506 and 511, as explained above.

In addition to the illustrated embodiments, one of ordinary skill in theart will understand that an alternative embodiment of the invention caninclude a detection system such that air samples can be analyzed aftercollection but prior to transport, that is, while an air-samplingcartridge 125 is still retained in a chamber 103 of the wheel assembly101. Such a detection system can be located between the sampling andtransport positions, but may also be located at another position alongthe wheel assembly 101. Such alternative embodiments of the inventioncan include detectors to detect specific chemical compounds, biologicalcomponents, and/or radiological emissions from an air sample.

The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate theinvention and is not intended to be limiting. It will be appreciatedthat modifications, variations and additional embodiments are covered bythe above teachings and within the purview of the appended claimswithout departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.Other logic may also be provided as part of the exemplary embodimentsbut are left out here so as not to obfuscate the present invention.Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating thespirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled inthe art, the invention should be construed to include everything withinthe scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

1. An apparatus for sampling aerosols comprising: a. a wheel assembly with a plurality of transverse cylindrical chambers arranged in a radial pattern on said wheel assembly, where each of said chambers is configured to retain an air-sampling cartridge; b. a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the wheel assembly to simultaneously align a first one of said chambers with an inlet tube and a second one of said chambers with an outlet tube; c. a vacuum pump configured to pull air through the air-sampling cartridge retained in the first one of said chambers that is aligned with the inlet tube; and d. a compressor configured to pneumatically push to a remote destination the air-sampling cartridge retained in the second one of said chambers that is aligned with the outlet tube.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a front seal assembly with an outlet seal and an inlet seal, where said outlet seal comprises a first spring-loaded, double-lipped cup that forms a substantially air-tight seal between a front face of the wheel assembly and the outlet tube while also permitting free rotation of the wheel assembly, and where said inlet seal comprises a second spring-loaded, double-lipped cup that forms a substantially air-tight seal between the front face of the wheel assembly and the inlet tube while also permitting free rotation of the wheel assembly.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a rear seal assembly with a compressor seal and a vacuum seal, where said compressor seal comprises a third spring-loaded, double-lipped cup that forms a substantially air-tight seal between a rear face of the wheel assembly and a compressor tube while also permitting free rotation of the wheel assembly, and where said vacuum seal comprises a fourth spring-loaded, double-lipped cup that forms a substantially air-tight seal between the rear face of the wheel assembly and a vacuum tube while also permitting free rotation of the wheel assembly.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of transverse cylindrical chambers comprise cylindrical spaces with different sized openings on opposite faces of the wheel assembly.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of transverse cylindrical chambers is located at the same distance from the center of the wheel assembly.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said plurality of transverse cylindrical chambers comprises thirty-two chambers, each chamber having a 0.48″ diameter, each chamber arranged 6.366″ from the center of the wheel assembly, and each chamber spaced 1.2487″ across an arc length measured from the center of each chamber.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wheel assembly further comprises a plurality of slotted gear teeth arranged on the outer circumference of the wheel assembly, and each slotted gear tooth is aligned with a midpoint between two adjacent transverse cylindrical chambers.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air-sampling cartridge includes fibrous, membranous, and/or perforated solid media for collecting airborne particulate matter.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air-sampling cartridge includes adsorbent media for collecting vapors.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air-sampling cartridge includes both solid filter media and adsorbent media for simultaneously collecting airborne particulate matter and vapors.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air-sampling cartridge includes gel-based media for collecting microorganisms.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rotating mechanism comprises a Geneva drive.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein a first one of the plurality of transverse cylindrical chambers is configured to be aligned with the inlet tube at a stop of the Geneva drive.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a second one of the plurality of transverse cylindrical chambers is configured to be adjacent to the first one of the plurality of transverse cylindrical chambers and is also configured to be aligned with the outlet tube at the stop of the Geneva drive.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller programmed to operate the apparatus substantially continuously and autonomously.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller programmed to operate the apparatus based on input commands received from a remote location.
 17. A method for sampling air comprising: a. applying a vacuum to draw ambient air through a first air-sampling cartridge that is retained in a first transverse cylindrical chamber of a wheel assembly, where said first transverse cylindrical chamber is aligned with an air inlet tube transporting the ambient air, and where an aerosol sample from the ambient air is deposited onto sampling media of said first air-sampling cartridge; b. rotating the wheel assembly to simultaneously (1) move a second air-sampling cartridge retained in a second transverse cylindrical chamber of the wheel assembly into alignment with the air inlet tube, and (2) move the first air-sampling cartridge out of alignment with the air inlet tube and into alignment with an air outlet tube; and c. applying pneumatic pressure to transport the first air-sampling cartridge through the air outlet tube to a remote destination. 